Martine Arndt
2016-2017 National Youth Activities Ambassador
Four Fun Events for Youth in March
Will March come in like a lion or a lamb? Regardless of the weather, I know that the members of our great organization will keep working with the strength of lions and the kindness of lambs for the youth in their communities this month!
Girl Scout Week: March 12-16
I am sure you have all seen Girl Scouts in your area selling cookies – you’ve probably even purchased a box or two! Girl Scout Week is a wonderful time to recognize these young leaders in training. Your Auxiliary could host a recognition event this week and present any “Youth Groups Supporting Our Veterans” citations or other awards you have received for your local Troops. Click here to download an application form. If you have Girl Scouts who have received the Gold Award, you could present certificates/awards for this. There are certificates available from the VFW Store http://www.vfwstore.org/ (Product Code: 04371).
St. Patrick’s Day: March 17
St. Patrick’s Day is fun time include youth in parades, have them make and/or serve corned beef and cabbage dinners, make a visit to a medical facility with cards and treats, or make creative crafts. Check out https://www.pinterest.com/vfwauxiliary/all-about-springeaster/ and see more than a dozen ideas for easy crafts you can create with youth of all ages.
Make Your Own Holiday: March 26
A goofy holiday that young people may enjoy is “Make Your Own Holiday” day, which is March 26. An idea is to have youth make posters that celebrate an imaginary holiday that’s all about them! It would be an opportunity for them (and you) to learn about each other – and will likely include lots of laughter.
Spring Break
Many schools across the country have Spring Break this month. This is an excellent time to plan a few fun activities for youth. Ideas include:
- Roller skating
- Bowling
- Laser Tag
- Miniature Golf
- Jump Time at a Trampoline Park
- Scavenger Hunt/Picnic at a Local Park
- Paint by Numbers Party
Think about activities that will keep youth active and not just sitting around staring at electronics during the school break.
Contest Entries
Work with your Auxiliary’s Scholarship Chairman to ensure that all entries for the Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest are received at your Auxiliary by March 31, 2017!
Now, for the really, really important part of the blog.
The Youth Groups Supporting Our Veterans citation request forms are due to National Headquarters by April 10! I recommend getting the request forms to your Department Chairmen by April 1 so the forms can be signed and submitted to National Headquarters in a timely manner.
Getting the forms in on time will ensure your receipt of these citations before the end of the Program Year. You may continue to send in citation requests for the activities that youth groups do from March 16 through June 30, however they will may not be received until the new Program Year begins on July 1.
Reporting
The final reports are due soon! I anticipate some outstanding numbers based on the reports I have received so far.
- Members, please make sure that you have reported all of your activities regarding youth are reported to your Auxiliary. For example, how many R.A.P. cards and coins did you hand out?
- Auxiliaries, please ensure that your Youth Activities chairmen has been communicating and reporting to the Department level. We want to be sure that your hard work is counted and recognized!
- Department Chairmen, please compile your reports carefully and send them to your Department President by the date required.
Thank you for everything you are doing for our veterans, your communities and the young people you are mentoring!
